Evelyn and Jane entered the wildlife office with determination etched across their faces, mixed with a touch of nervousness and resolve. The ranger on duty, Officer Jolly Henderson, greeted them warmly. "How can I assist you today?" Officer Henderson, with her striking ivory skin and tough demeanor, exuded an air of reliability and stunning beauty.
Evelyn cleared her throat and explained, "We stumbled upon an injured animal in the forest. It seemed to be in need of help, so we thought it best to report it." Evelyn fidgeted with her fingers as she spoke, conveying her slight unease.
Adding her customary touch of sarcastic humor, Jane chimed in, "Yeah, because we definitely can't rely on Evelyn's 'expert' herbalist skills this time." Jane's muttered remark earned her a quick pinch from Evelyn, resulting in a wince.
A chuckle escaped Officer Henderson. "I understand." She reached for her notebook. "What type of animal was it, and do you have any idea how it got injured?" Jolly's eyebrows raised slightly as she inquired.
"In the darkness, it's hard to say," Evelyn answered with a nervous twist of her fingers. "But it was quite large, like a big dog."
Jolly's eyebrow lifted further as she asked, "Are you certain it was a dog, and not a wolf?"
Evelyn made a contemplative face. "I mean, what's the real difference?" She chuckled. "A dog or a wolf, they're practically the same thing, aren't they?" Trying to save face, she amended, "I mean, except for the wild part."
"Got it," Jolly nodded, noting down the details. "I appreciate you reporting this. We'll investigate and make sure the animal receives the necessary assistance." She grabbed her walkie-talkie and began relaying information while Evelyn and Jane observed.
"Anything else you'd like to mention?" Jolly inquired, sensing the depth of their curiosity. Both Evelyn and Jane snapped out of their captivated state, their gazes shifting from the ranger. Hastily, they bid farewell and turned to leave.
Stepping out of the office, Jane nudged Evelyn playfully, her eyes dancing with mischief. "For now, let's put aside our dreams of being animal heroes, shall we?"
Evelyn rolled her eyes with a grin. "Sure thing. My heroics will have to wait."
"Oh, by the way, I think we should come back again. The rangers in the photos looked incredibly handsome. Maybe I'll get lucky," Jane said in a flirtatious tone.
Evelyn chuckled, agreeing, "Oh, absolutely. Let's make that a plan." They chuckled like two tipsy companions navigating the rocky path.
With consoling words from the forest rangers, Evelyn and Jane embarked on the journey back home on foot. The sky started dimming, casting elongated shadows on the path. Taking a deep breath, Jane mused, "You know, walking back home in the dark after a close call with toxic plants? I can already see it in my 'Thrilling Adventures with Evelyn' journal."
Evelyn grinned, playing along, "Glad I could provide you with some thrilling content."
As they arrived at Evelyn's house, Jane slowed down, pondering something. Before she could speak, Evelyn spontaneously said, "Hold on a sec! Don't leave just yet."
Jane turned, taken aback. "What's up?"
Evelyn hesitated briefly before blurting, "Why not spend the night at my place? It's getting late, and I might feel lonely. We could watch a movie or something."
"Wow! An invitation to stay over? Count me in!" Jane exclaimed.
Settled on the couch at Evelyn's house, snacks and drinks within reach, Jane browsed through movie options with a glint in her eyes. "How about a classic horror movie?"
Evelyn mockingly grimaced. "You want us to see more monsters, right? So I can continue my creature encounters?"
Jane laughed, "Nah, just aiming for some entertainment."
As the movie played, their laughter filled the room. With time, exhaustion caught up with them, and they drifted off, their heads finding comfortable rest on each other's shoulders. They snoozed while tightly hugging each other around the waist, their gentle snoring harmonizing with the surroundings.
As the night deepened, Evelyn's ear twitched. Slowly, she opened her eyes, blinking away the heaviness. She spotted the TV glow and lights, able to move freely this time, unlike before. However, her anticipated dread turned out to be her vibrating phone on the cushion, creating a peculiar buzzing sensation.
It was her mother calling. Gently untangling herself from Jane's embrace, Evelyn arranged Jane comfortably on the couch, making sure her head had proper cushion support. She then got up to answer the call, adjusting herself for a better conversation.
"Hello, Mom," Evelyn murmured, her voice heavy with sleepiness.
"Love, how's everything?" Her mother's voice carried a trace of concern.
"Everything's fine, Mom. Why do you ask?" Yawning, Evelyn stretched while glancing out of the window into the dimly lit corridor.
"Oh, it's just a feeling I had. I told your father we shouldn't have left you alone. There's no one there to take care of you. Even your grandmother isn't around."
"I'm alright, Mom. You don't need to worry about me. I'm a grown-up and can take care of myself," Evelyn reassured her, well aware that she wasn't entirely capable of doing so.
"And Jane is staying over tonight, so don't fret. I'm not alone."
"Jane's there too? That's comforting. We'll try to get back soon. Your father's meetings got postponed, so it's taking longer."
"I understand, Mom. Don't worry about me. Just enjoy your time." Evelyn's tone was soothing as she tried to alleviate her mother's concerns.
"Alright," her mother replied, her voice laden with a touch of sadness. They exchanged goodbyes, and Evelyn was about to end the call when her gaze shifted outside the window into the darkness. There was a shadowy figure, blending into the bushes. Her heart raced, and a cold shiver ran down her spine. She ended the call abruptly, not wanting to worry her mother.
Slipping into her slippers, Evelyn grabbed the heavy-duty umbrella from the basket beside the door and hurried outside, determined to catch the intruder in action. But as soon as she stepped out, a profound silence enveloped her. Pointing the umbrella toward the bush where she had seen the shadow, she challenged, "Come out! Why are you stalking me?" Her words echoed in the quiet night, met only with silence.
"What's going on? Are you practicing your ninja moves in the middle of the night?" Jane's voice emerged from the doorway, her sleep disturbed by the loud thud of Evelyn's exit.
Evelyn turned to look at Jane, her eyes wide. "I think the intruder is back."
Jane let out a chuckle. "Seriously, have you been munching on some hallucinogenic herbs again? I think you've sampled something stronger than those Raven Buds. Your behaviour is pretty textbook for someone on drugs."Evelyn's expression turned serious. "No, I'm serious. There's something out there."
"Alright, let's head inside and get some rest. We'll figure this out in the morning," Jane said firmly, guiding Evelyn back into the house.